President Obama to appear on Mythbusters

Sarah JersildTribune Newspapers

It is a truth known to chemistry teachers the world over: If you want to get kids interested in science, blow something up. This December, President Obama will join two of the biggest proponents of the blow-stuff-up school of science education when he makes an appearance on the Discovery Channel show Mythbusters, which uses science (and often explosives) to to test various urban myths and scientific conventional wisdom.

The president will challenge hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman to revisit the "Archimedes Solar Ray" myth. According to legend, the Greek scientist Archimedes fended off an invading fleet by setting the ships on fire using only mirrors and the power of the sun.

The White House is expected to announce President Obama's appearance on the show at the White House science fair. The event celebrates students for their achievements in science, technology, engineering and math.